Pakistan Sacks Head Coach and Drops Seven Players After Test Defeat

Pakistan has a track record of making unconventional decisions following defeats. During England’s previous tour in 2024, the hosts responded to losing the first Test—where England amassed a total exceeding 800—by scheduling the second Test on the same Multan pitch to aid their spinners, ultimately securing a 2-1 series victory.

Currently, the seven players sent home include Salman, who captained the side in the first Test while Babar Azam was injured, only to be dropped for the second. Also dismissed is opener Imam-ul-Haq, who faced criticism at Lord’s for not attempting to bat in either innings after sustaining a calf injury while fielding on day one.

Raja, who played 57 Tests between 1984 and 1997, expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “I am genuinely unhappy with this situation. How often have we seen this occur in world cricket? Never, ever. It feels more akin to football, dismissing a manager mid-season. If you ask me how to rectify this, I have no idea.”

These sweeping selection changes follow a period of controversy surrounding the Pakistan team during the second Test. At lunch on the opening day, the PCB threatened to cancel the remainder of the match and tour following a Sky-broadcast interview with the sons of Imran Khan.

Imran, the former captain and prime minister, has been incarcerated for three years on corruption charges, which he denies. Pakistan ultimately completed the Test, with both captain Babar and head coach Sarfaraz denying any awareness of a planned boycott. The touring side is also scheduled to meet King Charles at Clarence House this week.

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